Integrated Low-Profile Solenoid Valve Without Connection Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solenoid valves face challenges in reducing overall dimensions, weight, and simplifying the interface between the piloting and valve sections, especially when dealing with high operating pressures and significant fluid flow rates, due to the need for connection ducts which complicate manufacturing, especially in small valves.
Innovation Solution
The integration of the piloting section and valve section within a compact cylindrical body, where the piloting section acts directly on a shutter within a pressurized fluid tank, eliminating the need for fluid ducts by using a solenoid actuated tubular stem to control the shutter's position through pressure changes within a thrust chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the piloting section and valve section are physically separated and connected by ducts, then the solenoid can create the force required to open the shutter, but the overall dimensions increase and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piloting section and valve section into a single integrated body. The piloting chamber is formed within the same cylindrical body as the valve section, eliminating the need for separate sections and connecting ducts. This integration directly reduces overall dimensions while maintaining the force-generating capability through the same pressure differential mechanism.
2Reliability
If connection ducts are used to connect piloting section and valve section, then fluid pressure can be transmitted to actuate the shutter, but manufacturing complexity increases especially for small valves
Solution Approach 1:
The piloting chamber and valve chamber are integrated within the same cylindrical body with internal passages for fluid communication. This eliminates the need for separate ducts and reduces manufacturing steps, particularly for small valves where duct fabrication would be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection ducts are extracted/removed from the system by integrating the chambers. The fluid passage is simplified to internal passages within the single body rather than external ducts connecting separate components.
3Weight of stationary object
If the piloting section is integrated with the valve section, then the overall dimensions are reduced and weight is reduced, but the interface between sections must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The piloting section and valve section are merged into a single integrated body, eliminating the interface between separate sections. This integration directly reduces weight by removing the need for separate components and their connecting interfaces.
4Productivity
If connection ducts are used between piloting section and valve section, then fluid flow can be established, but the actuation speed is reduced due to longer fluid path
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of piloting and valve chambers into a single body dramatically shortens the fluid path length. The fluid passage is contained within the single body rather than traveling through external ducts, enabling faster pressure equalization and quicker shutter actuation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This integration results in a compact, lightweight solenoid valve with simplified interfaces and increased actuation speed, eliminating the need for connection ducts and enhancing performance in applications requiring reduced size and rapid actuation, such as in the aeronautical and aerospace industries.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator to displace the shutter between a closing condition and an opening condition of the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
a fluid pressure—which keeps the shutter in the closing condition and which is released into the atmosphere—is applied to displace the valve stem to the opening condition
Data Source
AI summary
A piloting section of a solenoid valve is integrated with a valve section and includes a tubular stem having a distal end placed in communication with the atmosphere and axially displaceable by the solenoid from a receded position, in which a shutter of the valve section is kept in a closing condition, to an advanced position corresponding to an opening condition of the shutter. The shutter has a hollow plunger coaxial with a tubular stem and defining an inner thrust chamber in which, in operation, in the receded position of the tubular stem a fluid pressure—which keeps the shutter in closing condition and which is released into the atmosphere—is applied to displace the shutter to the opening condition, through the proximal end of the tubular stem when it is displaced by the solenoid to the advanced position.